Today, I'm speaking to my dad, Richard Stoker.

Sweetheart? Yes.

Savage? Definitely!

While I was growing up, he was the yin to my mum's yang and a huge influence in shaping how I think about happiness. Dad has always had strong views on how we should live, make decisions, and think about problems. It's different to most people, but it's got him a long way... And he's a pretty happy guy.

We speak about some of the lodgers we had when I was young. How his mindset helped him grow his little market stall to a business employing 40+ people, and why helping others matters. We also get into the weeds about the messy contract negotiations he helped me out with when I was young (sorry about that dad!)

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Donna Ashworth’s poems have empowered and comforted thousands during the pandemic. As a Sunday Times Bestselling author, Donna uses her inspiring writing to shed light on complex issues and topics such as womanhood, body image, ageing, grief, self-love, parenting and marriage. 

In this profound conversation with Joss, the two discuss Donna’s career, the importance of making friends with women with self-love, how the unconscious messages we give to our children affects them, and how peace is the key to happiness. We even have the exclusive pleasure of listening to Joss singing one of Donna’s heartwarming poems.

Donna’s three new Books “Love”, “Love” and “Loss” are out on the 4th of October, so make sure you pre-order here. 

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Uri Geller has a lifetime of expertise in psychokinesis and telepathy. Famous for his mind blowing performances of spoon bending, Uri has had a very long spanning and rich career as a world-renowned illusionist and magician.

In this entertaining conversation with Joss, Uri shares stories about riding a train with Micheal Jackson to Exeter, how he was subject to experiments by the MI5 and the CIA, or how he’s seen the ghost of a dog outside his house. He also gives us a spoon bending demo and all listeners are invited to join in at home.

Uri’s latest book Learn to Dowse is available to buy online and make sure you check out his website to read more about his projects and performances:

https://www.urigeller.com

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Professor, writer, illusionist and public speaker Richard Wiseman, is one of the key figures in Britain promoting experimental psychology. From publishing successful books on luck, deception, self-development, illusion and sleep, to finding creative ways for audiences to interact with the discipline, such as no-performer shows and immersive theatre experiences, Richard’s work is both innovative and fascinating.

In this casual chat with Joss, the two discuss how to tackle nerves before public performances, being open to change, why we should do the opposite of what we initially aim to do, and being grateful for the “now”.

Richard’s latest book Psychology: Why It Matters is out now.

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Relationship therapist and television host Laura Berman has spent a lifetime giving advice and writing on relationships, sex and love. During the pandemic, a personal tragedy made Laura and her family cope with what seemed like an impossible time to live through.

On her second appearance on A Cuppa Happy, Laura shares her reflections on grief, healing and how to vent emotions and begin moving from grief to grace.

Laura’s latest book Quantum Live is a thrilling read on healing, love and health. Make sure you tune into Laura’s own fascinating podcast:

The Language of Love

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In the space of just six years, comedian and vlogger Arron Crascall went from being a family man working as a bookmaker in Dover, to an internet comedy phenomenon creating a plethora of funny videos, sketches and clips of pranks in public spaces.

In this entertaining conversation with Joss, Arron tells us about his incredible career journey, being a parent in a haunted house, how to lose inhibition as a comedian, his passion for art and how to not quit a job.

Make sure you follow Arron’s hilarious Instagram account and stay posted for the upcoming launch of Arron’s new digital marketing agency Next Chapter, offering guidance and advice to aspiring online comedians and influencers.

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Multi-award winning author and podcaster Gretchen Rubin has spent her career delving into the weird and wonderful world of human nature, habits and happiness. During this conversation, the two discuss Gretchen’s famous ‘Four Tendencies’ framework, and try to understand how we can find our own individual methods to become happier, healthier and more productive. As when we know ourselves and what works for us, we can change our habits and our lives.

All of Gretchen’s works are available on her website, and her podcast is ‘Happier (with Gretchen Rubin)’.

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Comedian, actress and co-host of the highly acclaimed podcast “Guys We F****d”, Krystyna Hutchinsen uses her quick-witted and clever humour to make poignant comedy about feminism, slut-shaming, abuse and other important cultural topics. During this relaxed and casual conversation, the two discuss the importance of supporting friends in abusive relationships, cancel culture in comedy, open relationships, and how to end relationships well.

If you enjoy this chat, make sure you check out new dates for Krystyna’s amazing comedy shows as well as tuning into her own hilarious podcasts:

Voices In My Head podcast

Guys That We F****d podcast 

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Pioneering neuroscientist, psychologist and teacher Ethan Kross has spent many years researching how to understand and control our conscious mind. In this enlightening conversation with Joss, Ethan shares how techniques such as speaking to yourself in the third person or mental time travel can help us cope with the anxiety caused by our inner voices. 

The two of them also discuss the importance of updating school curriculums so children can learn how to recognise and deal with emotions. 

Ethan’s book Chatter is out now.

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As a qualified hypnobirthing practitioner, Siobhan Miller is on a mission to ensure women go into labour with a positive mindset and confidence in their choices. Through her Positive Birth Company, she teaches women and their partners that a positive birth does not have to be a perfect birth, and aims to dispel the myths around childbirth that lead so many to associate it with fear and pain. 

In this episode, she recalls how she was first driven to found her company after having what she describes as a terrifying experience with her first child in 2014. Joss and Siobhan go on to exchange stories about their childbirth experiences, with Siobhan explaining how hypnobirthing enabled her to have much more positive experiences with her second and third children. 

C Sections and epidurals are also covered, with Siobhan passionately denouncing the inaccurate portrayals of childbirth she continues to see across popular culture, most specifically on the recent BBC series ‘This Is Going To Hurt’. And we end the episode on some exciting news… 

Find out more about Siobhan’s work and hypnobirthing at www.thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk 

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The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest running studies of adult life the world has ever seen. In this episode, the study’s director, Professor Robert Waldinger, explains to Joss how it has enabled researchers to track the lives of 724 men - including one former President - since 1938. After sharing some of the study’s findings, Robert explains how he came to be a Zen priest, and just what this entails. Learn more about Robert’s Lifespan Research Foundation at lifespanresearch.org and find further information on his silent retreats and online meditation groups at newtonzen.org 

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See https://jossstone.com/ for my tour dates!

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